Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou scores Taiwan’s first DIAM validation

By Liam On Dec 9, 2024

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou in Taoyuan City, Taiwan recently achieved a country first through a Stage 6 validation for the HIMSS Adoption model for digital imaging (DIAM).

It has also been validated for Phase 7 of the HIMSS Infrastructure adoption model (INFRAM).

The DIAM evaluates an organization’s capabilities in the field of medical imaging. The INFRAM model, modernized in March measures the maturity of an organization’s infrastructure based on cybersecurity, adoption, sustainability, performance and results.

Refinement of digital imaging

CGMH Linkou underwent HIMSS DIAM validation to evaluate and refine the use of digital imaging technologies. The Information Management department worked closely with the specialist medical teams and held “numerous interdisciplinary meetings to integrate clinical expertise with IT proficiency.”

“Our specialist medical teams played a key role in ensuring that the application of digital imaging technology effectively supported clinical decision-making and patient care. They worked with the Information Management department to further optimize the system based on practical experience, ensuring that the digital imaging system remained stable and that the integration with clinical systems met the needs of our healthcare professionals, enabling seamless connectivity through the hospital’s information systems,” said Dr. Li-Jen Wang, professor and chair of the Department of Medical Imaging and CGMH intervention Linkou.

“This collaborative approach has not only enhanced our digital imaging capabilities, but also demonstrated the high level of integration between medical technology and clinical practice during the HIMSS DIAM certification process,” she added.

Evaluators cited CGMH Linkou’s clear vision, strategy, roles and responsibilities as key strengths in image management. The hospital was also commended for its imaging quality management processes within its clinical services and the maintenance of both long- and short-term image storage capacity.

At the heart of CGMH Linkou’s digital image processing is the AVIEW LCS Plus system, supplied by Coreline Soft. The AI-based software for low-dose chest CT scan screens for small lung nodules was implemented in September 2023, allowing early detection of lung cancer, COPD and coronary artery calcification. The AI software, which also integrates with the hospital’s PACS and EMR systems, has helped reduce radiologists’ workload by as much as 87%.

Excellence in IT governance

Within a yearCGMH Linkou was able to upgrade its INFRAM validation to the highest level. Behind this lies “major collaboration” between the hospital’s departments, working on technological upgrades, process improvements and staff training.

The largest IT project is the transformation of the Medical Data Center. CGMH Linkou embarked on this important project in 2021 as demand for IT-enabled services increased, necessitating the adoption of AI, big data and precision medicine. “We faced challenges in rapid system expansion, so we rethought the management, data transmission and cybersecurity of our data center,” said Hui-Yuan Shih, head of CGMH Linkou’s medical information management department.

During the INFRAM validation, HIMSS validators praised CGMH Linkou’s advanced cybersecurity capabilities, rooted in a “robust, multi-layered security strategy.” CGMH Linkou adopted a service-oriented architecture and a flexible network design according to the HIMSS INFRAM framework. This includes implementing software-defined networking, upgrading to a high-speed 10-gigabyte fiber optic network, and adopting TIA-942 standards for data centers. The hospital also implemented its own secure messaging platform Team+ as part of internal communications improvements.

A highlight of the validation was the implementation of integrated information monitoring panels at the Security Operations Center (SOC), which enable real-time surveillance and rapid threat detection. The SOC is part of the hospital’s integrated security measure – along with Managed Detection and Response and two-factor authentication – following a Zero-Trust cybersecurity approach.

Since the establishment of an SDN, the hospital can now set up new equipment 40% faster, according to CGMH Linkou; It used to take about four hours from device setup to online, and now it can be done in 2-3 hours via VM and SDN. When combined with AI analytics, the SDN also increased monitoring efficiency by 30%.

Upgrading to a high-speed wireless network also increased data transfer speeds “more than five times,” CGMH Linkou claims, compared to traditional lines. This improved remote data synchronization and big data transfer, including large digital pathology files.

“This journey has not only been about upgrading technology, but also improving our management practices and organizational culture. It has helped us build a strong foundation for delivering high-quality care in a modern, technology-driven healthcare environment,” Kun-Ju emphasizes Lin. , professor and deputy head of the information security committee of CGMH Linkou.

Emphasis on AI, big data

Following both INFRAM and DIAM validations, CGMH Linkou said it plans to increase investments in two key areas: data analytics and medical imaging management. The hospital plans to build a big data analytics platform to expand AI applications and develop AI-assisted diagnostic solutions to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

The hospital, which is monitoring Stage 7 DIAM, also plans to implement a comprehensive radiation dose monitoring system and upgrade its digital imaging applications to increase patient engagement.

Moreover, it aims to further increase the speed and improve the stability of data access and transmission; improve the long-term storage capacity and scalability of image data; optimizing risk management measures to strengthen digital resilience amid escalating cyber threats; and adopt FHIR standards to facilitate telemedicine interoperability.

“These investments will support clinical decision making, predictive modeling and personalized care, helping us build a smarter, more connected data ecosystem. This will ultimately lead to more accurate and proactive healthcare services,” said Prof. Lin.

ON THE RECORD

“Achieving Phase 7 of the HIMSS INFRAM demonstrates that our organization has achieved a high level of digital maturity and infrastructure security. This recognition increases our operational efficiency and helps us provide safer and better quality patient care. It means we have met global standards for healthcare IT infrastructure, including areas such as wireless networking, mobile devices, cybersecurity, team collaboration and data centers. With this strong digital foundation, we can effectively use AI and big data analytics to improve clinical workflows, further strengthening our digital transformation efforts. Performance also helps us attract and retain top healthcare professionals, because they can work in a modern, efficient environment focused on innovation and quality improvement,” said CGMH Linkou Superintendent and Professor Dr. Chien-Tzung Chen in a statement to Healthcare IT news.

“We believe that the development of digital health is a crucial cornerstone for improving future medical services. HIMSS (DIAM) certification allows us to evaluate and refine our hospital’s use of digital imaging technologies to ensure our systems and processes meet the highest standards. international standards. Our goal goes beyond improving internal efficiency; it’s about providing patients with accurate and timely diagnoses and treatments. We are confident that (this) international certification will not only allow us to measure the level of digitalization within our institution, but also our continued efforts to improve the quality of healthcare and build a strong foundation for future investments in digital healthcare ” said CGMH Linkou professor Dr. Ming-Shien Wen, who is also vice-chairman of the hospital’s smart healthcare committee.